Tiberias
A Guide for New Olim
Tiberias, located on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), is one of Israel’s four holy cities and a center of Jewish history and tradition. Known for its natural beauty, healing hot springs, and rich spiritual heritage, Tiberias combines affordability, cultural depth, and proximity to nature. For Olim, it offers a quieter lifestyle in northern Israel with relatively low housing costs and strong community ties.
Location
On the Kinneret: Tiberias sits along the Sea of Galilee, Israel’s largest freshwater lake and a site of both historic and spiritual significance.
Climate: Hot, dry summers and mild winters; warmer than nearby hill cities like Tzfat due to its lower elevation.
Accessibility: ~40 km from Nazareth, ~55 km from Haifa, ~2 hours from Tel Aviv & Ben Gurion Airport.

Diverse Mix: Includes religious, traditional, and secular Jews, alongside growing numbers of Olim from France, the US, and Russia.
Spiritual Heritage: Tiberias is home to ancient synagogues, yeshivot, and the tombs of great sages (Rambam, Rabbi Akiva, etc.).
Family-Oriented: Popular among young families due to affordability, schools, and open space near the lake.
Retiree Destination: Many retirees are drawn to the city for its warm climate, natural beauty, and lower cost of living.

Road Access: Connected by Route 90 (north-south highway along Jordan Valley) and Route 77 to Haifa.
Public Transport: Regular buses to Haifa, Afula, Tzfat, and Tel Aviv.
Railway Plans: Long-term plans to extend Israel Railways toward Tiberias, though not yet completed.
Airports: ~2 hours to Ben Gurion; ~1 hour to Haifa Airport (regional).
Why Olim Choose Tiberias
Affordable Real Estate compared to central Israel and Jerusalem.
Spiritual significance with rich Jewish history and holy sites.
Strong community feel with a mix of traditional, religious, and Anglo residents.
Natural beauty & outdoor activities on the Kinneret and in the Galilee.
Tourism-driven economy offering business and job opportunities.
Tiberias is ideal for Olim seeking affordable housing, a spiritual atmosphere, and a slower pace of life by the Kinneret — with the bonus of being surrounded by northern Israel’s natural beauty and history.
Transportation
Road Access: Connected by Route 90 (north-south highway along Jordan Valley) and Route 77 to Haifa.
Public Transport: Regular buses to Haifa, Afula, Tzfat, and Tel Aviv.
Railway Plans: Long-term plans to extend Israel Railways toward Tiberias, though not yet completed.
Airports: ~2 hours to Ben Gurion; ~1 hour to Haifa Airport (regional).




